Latest News: Brent Venables shares encouraging updates on 2 Oklahoma players before Missouri clash

Oklahoma football head coach Brent Venables provided an injury updated on two of his players before the team’s upcoming game against Missouri.

Oklahoma football head coach Brent Venables shared an encouraging injury update on two Sooners players on Monday, ahead of their upcoming game against the Missouri Tigers, according to George Stoia III of On3 Sports.

When asked about the possibility of Deion Burks and Jalil Farooq making a return this week against Missouri, Venables said during his coaches show, “There’s definitely a chance.”

While having two receivers sidelined typically doesn’t bode well for the passing game, it seems that could change if Venables’ predictions hold true on game day. Farooq’s return has been anticipated for some time, as he was initially expected to be out for six to eight weeks following foot surgery. Now, however, he has been unavailable for nine weeks, exceeding that original timeline.

Burks has been out since sustaining a soft tissue injury against Tennessee, missing a total of five games. There was a strong likelihood he could have played against South Carolina, as he was considered a game-time decision at that time. However, it’s often not in the team’s best interest to put a player on the field who isn’t fully fit unless absolutely necessary.

Venables is being strategic in his approach. Burks has participated in four games this season, recording 26 receptions for 201 yards and three touchdowns. In contrast, Farooq has only played in one game, making one catch for 47 yards during the 51-3 victory over Temple.

The matchup between Missouri and Oklahoma is scheduled to kick off at 7:45 p.m. ET on the Tigers’ home field on Saturday, Nov. 9.